STRYKER

2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K

Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/114936

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 27 of 49

Stryker Corporation and Subsidiaries NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2012 NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations: Stryker Corporation (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is one of the world's leading medical technology companies. Our products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling and emergency medical equipment; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices; as well as other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties. Basis of Presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions are eliminated. Use of Estimates: Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, pensions, stock options, valuation of acquired intangible assets, useful lives for depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets, deferred tax assets and liabilities, uncertain income tax positions and contingencies. Actual results may ultimately differ from estimates. Revenue Recognition: Sales are recognized when revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. Our policy is to recognize revenue when title to the product, ownership and risk of loss transfer to the customer, which can be on the date of shipment, the date of receipt by the customer or, for most reconstructive products, when we receive appropriate notification that the product has been used or implanted. A provision for estimated sales returns, discounts, rebates and other sales incentives is recorded as a reduction of net sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net sales. Cost of Sales: Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense and direct overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes the cost to distribute products to customers, inbound freight costs, warehousing costs and other shipping and handling activity. Research, Development and Engineering Expenses: Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Costs include expenditures for new product and manufacturing process innovation and improvements to existing products and processes. Costs primarily consist of salaries, wages, consulting and depreciation and maintenance of research facilities and equipment. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expense is primarily comprised of selling expenses, marketing expenses, administrative and other indirect overhead costs, amortization of loaner instrumentation, depreciation and amortization expense of non-manufacturing assets and other miscellaneous operating items. Currency Translation: Financial statements of subsidiaries outside the United States generally are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Adjustments to translate those statements into United States dollars are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI). Transactional exchange gains and losses are included in earnings. Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with remaining stated maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents and recorded at cost. Marketable Securities: Marketable securities consist of marketable debt securities and certificates of deposit and mutual funds. Mutual funds are acquired to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements and are expected to be used to settle these liabilities. Pursuant to our investment policy, all individual marketable security investments must have a minimum credit quality of single A (per Standard & Poor���s and Fitch) and A2 (per Moody���s Corporation) at the time of acquisition, while the overall portfolio of marketable securities must maintain a minimum average credit quality of double A (per Standard & Poor���s and Fitch) or Aa (per Moody���s Corporation). In the event of a rating downgrade below the minimum credit quality subsequent to purchase, the marketable security investment is evaluated to determine the appropriate action to take to minimize the overall risk to our marketable security investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2012, less than 1% of our investments in marketable securities had a credit quality rating of less than single A (per Standard & Poor���s and Fitch) and A2 (per Moody���s Corporation). Our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and trading securities. Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable consists of trade and other miscellaneous receivables. An allowance is maintained for doubtful accounts for estimated losses in the collection of accounts receivable. Estimates are made regarding the ability of customers to make required payments based on historical credit experience and expected future trends. Accounts receivable are written off when all reasonable collection efforts are exhausted. 26 Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified

Articles in this issue

view archives of STRYKER - 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K